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Posted in hiphop | music on September 7, 2006

Wes' Weekly Hip Hop News Roundup | (Sep 07, 2006)

The big guns of the fourth quarter: Jay-Z, Nas, and Ludacris @ the VMAs.

* photo via NahRight

As previously reported, Mos Def was arrested for illegally performing his new hurricane-themed song Katrina Clap on a TRUCK without a permit. Watch the provocative, controversial, and seemingly low budget music video for the song on YouTube.

Nas threw a little jab at 50 Cent at Ludacris' Aug 30th Hammerstein Ballroom show. While Nas was on stage singing Made You Look with Ludacris, he replaced the "5-0" (slang for law enforcement) with "50", rapping "This ain't Fifty, it's Nas yo." 50 has been throwing little jabs Nas' way for quite a while, and this is Nas' first response since his weak reply track Don't Body Yourself in 2005. Read more here.

And in other "My Dad Can Beat Up Your Dad" news, Mr. Friendly 50 Cent called out Diddy on The Bomb (whatever happened to misspelling words to indicate street cred?). Diddy's alleged subliminal reply is one line on his new album's intro: "I'm richer bitch!" Read more on Ruckus.

[editor's note: speaking of dads and Diddy...]

Less skilled, but famous, rappers using ghostwriters is a known phenomenon. But oh my goodness - when using a ghostwriter, please don't be so apparent. Diddy paid the legendary Pharoah Monch to write a few verses, he's never rapped so recognizably fraudulent. Listen to his new song The Future from his aforementioned upcoming album over at UghhNiceWatch (who won "best Jay-Z lyric reference in a blog title" at the VMAs).

Political rap elder Ice Cube spoke out against today's hip hop landscape stating that most performers are only interested in the flashy lifestyle portrayed in most hip hop videos. The 37-year-old former best rapper in the world (1990-1993) expressed that he wishes more rappers would embrace political issues instead of material gain. Read more on RapGodfathers.

Wu Tang Clan member Method Man spoke on his preference for independent labels over major companies. After releasing albums on Def Jam and other majors for over a decade, Method Man has seen his profile change from priority artist to one struggling to get sufficient support. "The indie route is the best route right now, all you need is distribution. You don't necessarily need the record companies anymore," Mef said. "That's why I root for the underdog. I'd love to see more independents doing shit, for the simple fact that I'm tired of getting raped." Method Man's 4:21: The Day After, out on Major Label Def Jam/Universal is in stores now. Read more on RapGodfathers.

Lupe Fiasco is performing at the Canal Room in NYC on Saturday, September 16th with Jean Grae, and a DJ set by Mark Ronson. It's the record release party for the excellent early 'best debut album of 2006' contender Food and Liquor. Tickets here.

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Undisputed Wes' undisputed band has the following NYC shows coming up:

Sep 15 Rockwood Music Hall 10pm (Residency)
Sep 30 Rockwood Music Hall 11pm (Residency)
Oct 26 Joe's Pub 9.30pm

Posted on September 7, 2006 2:37 AM

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